Taree's Nick Larkin makes Irish cricket side

By
Mick McDonald

TAREE cricketer Nick Larkin has been named in the Irish side to play Sri Lanka A in a three match one day series starting today.

Former Taree cricketer Nick Larkin has been named in the Irish side to play Sri Lanka A in a one day series.

TAREE cricketer Nick Larkin has been named in the Irish side to play Sri Lanka A in a three match one day series starting today.

Larkin played for Ireland A against the MCC in Dublin last week, although he didn’t get a chance to bat as the home side won by 10 wickets.

He is one of four uncapped players in the Irish side. Selectors have named a 14 strong squad for the series.

“The selectors have taken the opportunity to get a look at some new faces against quality opposition,’’ Ireland coach Phil Simmons said.

“There are obviously World Cup places up for grabs so it’s an important series for the players to state their case and grab the chance. They’ve all been performing well with their clubs, but need to show us they can do it at a higher level.’’

Larkin is playing with the North Downs club in Northern Ireland. This is his second stint there.

Last year he became the first batsman to score a double century in the Irish inter-provincial competition.

Larkin told the Times earlier this year it is his goal to win selection in the Irish team for the World Cup to be played in Australia and New Zealand next January/February.

As opening batsman he was a member of Sydney University’s premiership winning first grade side last summer. Larkin, 23, is a product of the Taree West club and he enjoyed his best season with Sydney Uni since moving there after finishing his HSC.

He accumulated an impressive 1055 runs for the club last season at an average of 42. Larkin was later named in the Sydney first grade team of the year.

He also represented NSW in the Futures League and NSW Second XI. He cracked 113 for the Second XI in a match against the ACT.

Larkin credited his first stint in Ireland for his excellent form with Sydney Uni last season.

“I think the experience I gained overseas has helped,’’ he told the Times just before leaving for Ireland earlier this year.

“­I’m not putting as much pressure on myself now - I’m more relaxed and that’s obviously played a part.’’

Ireland’s first game against Sri Lanka starts today. The two other games will be played on July 25 and 27.

Ireland is also scheduled to play Scotland in a one day series in September.

Larkin will again link with Sydney Uni when he returns from overseas. His brother, Ben, also played with Sydney Uni but he now lives in Newcastle.

He is expected to turn out with Newcastle Uni next season, where the captain is yet another Taree West product, Luke Bird.